Water storage device for use with potted houseplants

ABSTRACT

A houseplant maintenance device and methods for receiving and maintaining a potted plant. The device having a base, a water reservoir, at least one wick element, a wick holder. The wick element draws moisture or nutrients from within the reservoir and delivers it to the soil in the pot. Adjusting the wick element in the wick holder regulates the rates of moisture conductance. The wick elements include a water-impervious covering around a middle portion thereof. The base of the device includes a gasket, a support ring, and a raised lip as well as features that facilitate methods for displaying the plant, such as hanging or aligning the device. Additionally, a device and method for addition of nutrient cations to a containerized houseplant from nutrient solids of relatively low aqueous solubility. The nutrient solids dissociate in the aqueous reservoir. A wick element communicates between the aqueous reservoir and the soil of the potted plant. The wick element is capable of conducting moisture and has been chemically bonded with negative sites, as an cation exchanger. The cations dissociating in the reservoir are attracted to the negative sites on the wick element and are driven upward with the moisture conductance of the wick. The absence of cations from solution encourages more dissociation of nutrient solid&#39;s cations which ultimately collect on the wick. Periodically the wick element is immersed into a solution of sufficient ionic strength to drive the retained cations on the wick into the soil.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No09/055,968 entitled HOUSEPLANT MAINTENANCE DEVICE AND METHOD filed Apr.7, 1998, and is related to Provisional Utility Patent Application SerialNo. 60/053,578, filed Jul. 17, 1997, entitled HOUSEPLANT MAINTENANCEDEVICE, both of which are incorporated by reference in each of theirentireties herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to apparatus for maintaining and usinghouseplants grown in containers, specifically to increasing the utilityof standard clay pot containers and to maintaining and regulating themoisture level of the potting mix within a clay pot planting as well asmethods of conducting nutrient cations into the growing medium of acontainerized plant from nutrient rocks and powders of low aqueoussolubility.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art

[0005] Clay pots have been a perennial favorite container for pottedplants around the home. The porous nature of these containers allowsaeration for healthy root development of growing plants. In use forcenturies, some drawbacks of clay pots, such as minimal drainage, havebeen overcome by age-old practices of layering broken clay pieces in thepot's bottom, followed by long fiber sphagnum moss filters beneath thesoil layer. Moisture maintenance is a problem however, which has notbeen satisfactory solved. Mature plants in appropriately sized clay potsdry quickly, due to the porosity, and must be watered more often than isrequired for plastic containers. Conventional practices for growingplants in clay pots include repotting the plants in successively largerclay pots at various growth stages in an effort to avoid excessive wetsoil. Since this moisture cannot be used by an underdeveloped rootsystem, the excessive moisture can cause root rot.

[0006] Moisture applications with wick devices, which use capillaryaction to moisten the soil, have been around for at least 125 years, yetthe use with clay pots is not widespread. Many traditional wicks exhibitsuch problems as leaving soil in the bottom of the pot very wet, whilethe soil in the upper regions is very dry. The soak spots in the lowerportions at times are so severe as to promote microbial growth and “rootrot.” With the upper portions of the soil being left so dry, roots cannot be supported except through minimal depths of the soil.

[0007] Traditional wicks have been too thick for use with clay pots, andthe interactive nature of wicking in response to the moisture level ofthe soil maybe lost if the wick is not in direct contact with dry soil.Further, the moisture addition rate is sometimes based on seepagethrough perforations in a cover of the wick, which may be difficult tocontrol. Additionally, some traditional wicking materials are too largeor complex to be easily incorporated into household use.

[0008] Introduction of moisture in the upper layers of soil, as happensin nature, is still the most common water addition technique to plantspotted in clay. It allows for moisture distribution throughout the soilby allying two of the three forces, which move moisture in the soil:gravitational force and the capillary action of the soil itself. Thethird force is the energy used by the plant roots to draw in water.Nature's method of saturating the soil during a rain and letting thesoil dry between rains is the mode of maintenance of most of the world'splants. Thus, we can assume that healthy plants readily tolerate, and infact thrive, with at least some variance of moisture level within thesoil. Water reservoirs associated with wicking elements have been largeor cumbersome and have discouraged homeowners from using a reservoirwicking system.

[0009] Soil or plant growing medium is composed of colloids which carrya net negative charge. This is an important property because it allowsthe soil to hold positively charged nutrient ions or cations whilenegatively charged nutrients are left to leach through the soil.Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and ammonium are examples of importantnutrients in cationic forms which influence the pH of the soil in abasic direction, while aluminum and hydrogen cations make the soil moreacidic.

[0010] All plants need 16 to 19 elements for healthy growth, some intrace quantities, many of them are cations. Cations are also the formthese nutrients enter the plant roots. Generally these cationicnutrients are added to the soil in one of two ways: as water solublesalts or as slow release materials, that is, materials that dissolveslowly in water. This latter group includes relatively aqueous insolublerock powders and greensand. Addition of water soluble salts tocontainerized plantings has always been problematic because it isdifficult to get a good nutrient mix at a level which both satisfies theplant's needs and does not burn the plant. Burn is caused by the saltionized in the soil's moisture actually drawing water from the plantroots in an effort to equalize the ion levels.

[0011] Rock powders and greensand occur in nature with often excellentnutrient mixes. They are normally added directly to the soil. Theserelatively aqueous insoluble materials slowly dissolve and release theirnutrients at rates which will not burn the plant. Often, however, ittakes several years for the plant to show the benefits of the nutrients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method ofproviding interactive delivery of liquid nutrients to the growing mediumof a houseplant with the facility to set the capacity of the liquidnutrient delivery rate, comprising the steps of providing at least onewick element comprised of wicking material and casing around a centralportion which holds said wicking material movably in place, wherein saidcasing is substantially impervious to moisture, with said wickingmaterial exposed at either end of said casing; providing a reservoir ofliquid nutrients with said reservoir having both a liquid surface leveland an average liquid surface level over a fill and distribution cycle;providing a holder which secures said wick elements in position withrespect to said liquid surface level with members which hold said outercasing, and allows movement of said wick elements to new securepositions with respect to the liquid surface level; positioning saidwick elements in said holder; placing the wick elements, within theholder, along with a plant in growing medium inside a plantingcontainer, such that a portion of the wick elements, including both saidcasing and said wicking material protrude from the bottom of saidplanting container; and positioning said planting container with saidprotruding casing and wicking material above said reservoir of liquidnutrients such that the wick elements are immersed into the liquid to aposition such that the bottom of said wick element casing is eitherabove or below said liquid surface level; whereby the average liquidnutrient delivery rate capacity is set by the position of the wickelements within the holder, with respect to a given reservoir andaverage liquid surface level over a fill and delivery cycle, to theoptimal range of liquid nutrient delivery rates for a specific plant, atits current growth stage, in its current environment, within themaintenance schedule of its current caregiver.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, aregulating wick device, usable with a liquid nutrient reservoir having aliquid surface level, said regulating wick device both for conductingnutrients, selected from a group consisting of water, plant fertilizers,antimicrobial agents, plant hormones, and mixtures thereof, and forsetting and adjusting wicking rate to an elevated growing medium of aplant comprising at least one wick element comprised of a length ofwicking material and a casing around a central portion thereof, saidcasing being substantially impervious to moisture, wherein said wickingmaterial is exposed at either end of said casing; and a holder capableof positioning securely at least one of said wick elements so that saidwick element is both immersed within said reservoir and extends upwardinto said elevated growing medium, thereby fixing the position of saidwick element with respect to said liquid surface level with memberswhich both hold said casing and allow movement of said wick elementcasing within said holder to new secure positions with respect to theliquid nutrient level.

[0014] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, awater storage device usable with a wick device inserted into andextending from the bottom surface of a planting pot with means fororderly contiguous alignment of a plurality of said water storagedevices and a means for elevation to prevent moisture damage to asetting surface such as fine -furniture comprising a base having ahousing and comprising an interior which forms a reservoir in said basefor sealingly holding liquid nutrients; a top comprising an openingtherein which communicates said reservoir with the exterior of saidbase; a compliant member or gasket for supporting the planting pottherein having an exterior shape similar to the said base top opening;an interior shelf for supporting the bottom of said compliant member; analignment mechanism on the bottom of said water storage device foraligning a plurality of said water storage devices contiguously on ahorizontal plane; a plurality of elevated support members on the bottomof said device of substantially equal length to support perpendicularlythe bottom of said water storage device to space apart the moisturecontaining base from the setting surface; a drainage portal in the sideof said base to allow said water storage device to be used outdoorsduring seasons of adequate rainfall to maintain only a predeterminedwater level and with an optional closure for indoor use which issubstantially clear and functions as a fill level sight; and a liquidnutrient addition portal substantially above the water level for addingliquid nutrients directly into the reservoir.

[0015] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of conducting nutrient cations sourced in relatively aqueousinsoluble solids into the soil of a containerized houseplant comprisingthe steps of providing a wick element comprising wicking material whichboth conducts moisture and is chemically bonded as a cation exchanger,which provides negatively charged sites on said wicking material, saidwick element further comprising a casing which surrounds the wickingmaterial and exposes the wicking material at either end of said casing;placing the wick element in the soil along with a plant in a plantingcontainer such that both wicking material and casing protrude from thebottom of said planting container; providing an aqueous reservoir towhich the relatively water insoluble nutrients have been added and towhich water has been added creating a liquid surface level; andpositioning said planting container with said protruding wick elementsabove said aqueous reservoir with said nutrients such that the wickelements are immersed below said liquid surface level in the reservoir;whereby dissociation of the nutrients in the reservoir produce cationswhich are attracted to the negative sites on the exposed wickingmaterial and the wicking action of the moisture driving up the wickexchanges the cations upward into the soil encouraging more dissociationof the nutrient solid.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, awick element for conducting nutrient cations from an aqueous reservoirto an elevated growing medium of a containerized houseplant comprisingwicking material which both conducts moisture and is chemically bondedas a cation exchanger, adding sites with a negative charge in thewicking material, and a casing surrounding said wicking material withsaid wicking material exposed on both ends of said casement.

[0017] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art froma reading of the following detailed description of embodimentsconstructed in accordance therewith, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention of the present application will now be described inmore detail with reference to preferred embodiments of the apparatus andmethod, given only by way of example, and with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the waterstorage device assembly;

[0020]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded and partially assembled view of theregulating wick device assembly according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional composite view of the waterstorage device and regulating wick device in use according to thepresent invention;

[0022]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a regulating wickdevice in a drier soil configuration;

[0023]FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the regulating wickdevices of FIG. 4, in a wetter soil configuration;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the lower portions of two wickelements within a water storage device;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a view of part of the hanging mechanism, the interiorpot support for hanging the modular potted plant which fits inside thewater storage device;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a composite cross sectional view of the hangingmechanism including both the internal and external mounting assembliesand their relationship to the water storage device for hanging themodular potted plant according to the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective of the water storage device withthe hanging mechanism attached showing particularly the externalportions of the hanging mechanism;

[0028]FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the modular alignment mechanism ofthe present invention;

[0029]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternate form of the modularalignment mechanism of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 12 illustrates one of the flexible exemplary uses of themodular plantings using the water storage device;

[0031]FIG. 13 illustrates another of the flexible exemplary uses of themodular plantings using the water storage device;

[0032]FIG. 14 illustrates yet another of the flexible exemplary uses ofthe modular plantings using the water storage device;

[0033]FIG. 15 illustrates an application of the nutrient addition methodof the present invention in physical terms with planting pot, reservoir,wick device and insoluble nutrients;

[0034]FIG. 16 illustrates an application of the nutrient addition methodin chemical terms with nutrient dissociation, collection, ion exchangeand release of cations to the soil; and

[0035]FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of aregulating wick. Reference Numerals In Drawings 02 growing plant 03plant roots 04 growing medium (soil) 05 insoluble nutrients 06 plantingpot (clay pot) 08 liquid nutrient level (water level) 09 releasesolution 10 Regulating Wick Device 12 Wick Element(s) 14 wickingmaterial (fiber) 15 wedge-shaped filament 16 upper knot 17 core 18 bead20 casing 21 membrane covering 22 Wick Element Holder (Wick ElementClamp) 24 upper member of wick element clamp 26 pressure fittingorifices 28 perforated or porous upper surface 30 ridged undersurface 32threaded neck 34 pot stand (clamp nut) 36 planar upper portion on whichpot sits 38 female opening to fit threaded neck of wick clamp 40 potstand legs 42 The Water Storage Device (reservoir) 44 Base housing withtop opening (reservoir with top opening) 46 raised lip around topopening 48 water addition orifice 50 snap lid for water addition orifice52 opening(s) for connection device (grommet openings) 54 drainage port55 drainage port gasket 56 optional closure for drainage port/waterlevel sightings 58 retaining ridges for ballooned implants 60 drainagetrough(s) (level sitting surface) 61 sloped bottom surface 62 reservoirwell 64 compliant member for pot support (gasket) 66 interior shelf forgasket support (gasket retaining ring) 68 holes for connection device(grommet holes) 70 connection device (grommet connections) 72 balloonedleg implants for hollow legs 74 elevated support members (reservoirrising feet) 76 The Hanging Mechanism (optional use) 78 Interior PotSupport 80 pot seat 82 connecting leg(s) 84 leg expansions or grommetstop pin(s) 86 hanging fixtures (loop connector(s)) 88 Exterior Hanger90 C-hook(s) 92 loop retaining seat(s) 94 wire hanging leg(s) 96 hanginghook 98 Modular Alignment Mechanism (optional use) 100 Alignment Plank102 Holes accommodating reservoir well 104 Nut securing reservoir well

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Referring to the drawing Figures, like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements throughout the severalFigures.

[0037] The present invention provides a simple method of controllingmoisture levels, moisture distribution throughout soil layers andadjustment of moisture delivery rate to the growing medium within a claypot. The present invention is intended to enhance the utility of modularself contained plantings in clay pots by adding hanging utility,alignment utility, i.e., for window boxes, and elevation for use on finefurniture. Though these devices were developed for ordinary clay pots,they may also be used with other containers of appropriate size andshape. These devices may be especially appropriate for other porouscontainers like the currently popular coco-fiber or peat products.Likewise, though the present wick invention was primarily designed forthe delivery of moisture to the growing medium of a houseplant, otherliquid nutrients may also be conducted depending on the wicking materialand nutrient.

[0038] The present wick invention is- based on observations of workingwith covered wick devices and overcomes deficiencies of the prior art.The wick is based on moisture introduction in the upper soil just belowthe soil surface. Though moisture added to the bottom soil of a pottedcontainer may move upward to plant roots by the capillary action of thesoil, moisture distribution is more even, and soak spots are overcomewith introduction of moisture to the upper soil. Observations of uppersoil moisture introduction made by moving moisture meters to variousdepths of soil show the maximum moisture levels still occur in thebottom soil, though the soil above is not saturated. Thus, controllingmoisture in the upper soil controls the minimum level of soilsaturation, with a gradual and increasing distribution to the lowersoil. This mode of moisture distribution allows a cache of moisturestorage in the upper soil and allows more root development through theavailable depth of soil. In theory, many factors influence the rate ofmoisture wicking by covered wicks, including: (1) height the wickextends from the water reservoir, (2) area of exposure of the wickingelement outside its casement within the soil, and (3) number of wicksplaced in the soil.

[0039] Observation of covered wicks and adjusting various factors, findsthat the greatest determinant of wicking rate is the height of thebottom wick casing relative to the water surface in the reservoir, asomewhat surprising result. Therefore, one aspect of the wick of thepresent invention is based on wicking rate regulation by sliding thewick casement higher or lower relative to the water level. A specialflow-through clamp, which maximizes drainage and facilitates the slidingaction of the wick casement, is presented as part of the regulating wickdevice of this invention. Thus the regulating wick device of thisinvention is easily used with a clay pot, provides the optimum moisturedistribution throughout the soil depth, and provides slow moisturedelivery, up to 4 weeks or more under indoor conditions. The regulatingwick device of this invention adds to the art a simple way to achievemoisture modulation according to the needs of the specific plant.Modulation ability is added to easily increase or decrease the rate ofmoisture delivery, even after the plant is potted, at various periodsthroughout its growth. The regulating wick device of the presentinvention is amenable to low cost manufacture and sale.

[0040] The present regulating wick device includes a number of wickelements, typically 3 for 21 cm (8″) pots, and a wick element clamp. Thewick elements are preferably formed of rolled microfiber wickingmaterial, and casing. Generally, an upper knot with a bead has beenadded to find wicks for adjustment in the upper soil. The wick elementclamp is formed of an upper member positioned in the bottom interior ofthe pot, a hollow neck threaded on the outside, and a pot stand. Theupper member of the wick element clamp features a flat square or otherergonomic shape for twisting with partial holes which pressure fit thewick elements in vertical position. The texture of the upper member isperforated or porous and the bottom surface of the upper member isribbed or gridded to allow moisture drainage. The hollow threaded neckis connected to the upper member of the wick element clamp and fitsthrough the bottom hole of the clay pot, holding the wick elements inits interior. The pot stand has a planar upper surface which also may beperforated featuring a female opening which fits the threaded neck ofthe wick element clamp. Finally the pot stand portion of the wickelement clamp features legs which hold the pot approximately an inch anda half or so off the bottom of the floor of the water reservoir.

[0041] The objectives of the present water storage invention usable withthe regulating wick device are similar to those presented in theaforementioned '968 application. The present water storage device workswith the regulating wick device and clay pots, serves as water storage,and transforms the clay pot into a plant growing container of greaterutility with arrangement for hanging, alignment of modular pots, andelevation for setting on fine furniture. The device fits varianceswithin nominal standards (i.e. all 21 cm or 8″ pots). The device isdesigned for low cost manufacture and sale. Modifications to the waterstorage device presented in this application allow the device to bestronger and easier to manufacture, while retaining the fullfunctionality of the original design.

[0042] Several aspects of the water storage invention may be summarizedas follows. The complete device includes the water reservoir, andoptionally, the hanging mechanism and the modular alignment mechanism.The water reservoir includes a cubic-like base with a top opening, acompliant beveled gasket, the metal retaining ring for a beveled gasket,grommets which connect the metal retaining ring to the top of the cubicreservoir, ballooned leg implants for the reservoir legs, and elevatingfeet for the reservoir. The cubic-shaped base features a raised liparound the top opening, a water addition orifice with closure, openingsfor the grommet connections, drainage port with optional closure,interior retaining ridges for the ballooned leg implants, and areservoir well in the bottom of the device. The hanging mechanismincludes an interior pot support and an exterior hanger. These piecesare attached when the unit is to be hung. The interior pot supportfeatures a square wire pot seat, which accepts the pot stand attached tothe planting pot as described above, wire connecting leg(s), grommetstop pin(s) or expansions, and loop connectors. The exterior hangerfeatures a C-hook with loop retaining seat(s), wire hanging leg(s), anda hanging hook. When modular units are to be aligned to affect windowbox arrangements, an alignment plank is used which features precisionpositioned holes accommodating the reservoir well.

[0043] The method of nutrient addition from relatively aqueous insolublerocks or powders involves, instead of adding the insoluble rocks andpowders into the soil, adding them to an aqueous reservoir below thesoil. In this way more ionic dissociation is encouraged simply becausethere is more water surrounding the nutrient solids in which todissociate into ions. A wick is provided having as wicking material amoisture conducting substance chemically treated as a cation exchanger,meaning the wicking material carries sites which have a negative charge.Nutrient cations are drawn to the wick and are collected andconcentrated on the wick. The constant wicking action upward drives theexchange of cations upward. Thus the cations are taken out of thereservoir solution. By Le Chatelier's Principle this encourages moredissociation of the nutrient solids into ions for cation collection.

[0044] This phase of the method is called the collection step. It takesplace over a relatively long period of time in the reservoir solution ofrelatively low ionic strength. Actually during this step some nutrientcations are driven into the soil with the constant wicking of moistureupward. Many nutrient cations remain on the wick however. After the longperiod of collection, a release phase is commenced in which the bottomof the wick is immersed into a solution of relatively high ionicstrength for a short period of time. Numerous cations in the releasesolution exchange the collected cations on the wick and are drivenupward and into the negatively charged soil for distribution by thecation exchange capacity of the soil to the plant roots. Theaccompanying drawings and specification detail further aspects of themethod.

[0045] A preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 describing thelow maintenance moisture delivery to a plant potted in clay. FIG. 1illustrates an exploded view of the water storage device 42. Theassembly preferably includes a water reservoir 44, ballooned legimplants 72, a gasket retaining ring 66 which is the interior shelf forgasket support, a compliant gasket ring for pot support 64, and elevatedsupport members or rising feet for the reservoir 74. The water reservoirpreferably is a rotocasted piece and features a raised lip 46 around thetop opening, and water addition orifice 48 with snap lid 50, openingstoward the top corners 52 for grommets 70 connections. The waterreservoir 44 also preferably features a drainage port 54 to permit waterabove a predetermined level to flow out of the reservoir, the portincluding a gasket 55 and a clear optional closure for water levelsightings 56. The bottom of the reservoir 44 preferably featuresdrainage troughs 60 and a sloped bottom surface 61 inclined toward thecenter. The drainage troughs 60 provide a level sitting surface and addstrength to the reservoir bottom. FIG. 3 shows two other preferredfeatures of the reservoir 44, the retaining ridges 58 for the balloonedleg implants 72, and the reservoir's bottom well 62. Elevated supportmembers 74 are preferably added to each of the four corners of thereservoir 44. The ballooned leg implants 72, which may be blow molded,are preferably snap placed in the hollow legs of the reservoir and heldby the retaining ridges 58. The gasket retaining ring 66, preferably asheet metal piece thick enough to add strength to the top of thereservoir, is preferably placed through the reservoir's top opening andacts as a mounting ring in some embodiments of the present invention.The ring may be one piece or several pieces connected together. It mayhave support tabs which fit the top of the reservoir. The retaining ring66 preferably has openings 68 for grommets 70, which connect theretaining ring to the top of the reservoir. The gasket ring for potsupport 64 is preferably made of foamed rubber or soft plastic material.The compliant gasket ring 64 is preferably placed between the retainingring 66 and the raised lip 46 of the water reservoir 44. The gasket ring64 may be scalloped for additional aeration around the inside ring,which preferably holds the clay pot. The inside of the gasket ring 64 ispreferably beveled to accommodate both the shape and variances withinthe nominal clay pot standard sizes.

[0046] The water storage device 42 preferably sits below the clay pot06, which is held in the beveled gasket ring 64 as shown in FIG. 3. Thedevice may be used both indoors and outdoors. When in use outdoors,especially during periods of adequate rainfall, it is advisable toremove the drainage cover so that rain in excess of the designedrecommended amount flows through the device without drowning the plant.Indoors or during drought periods the cover may be placed on the drainport for longer moisture delivery and for sighting the recommended waterfill level 08. The water fill level 08 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 15 and16.

[0047] When potting a plant using an embodiment of the present inventionone step is to assemble the regulating wick device 10 shown in FIG. 2.Depending on the soil moisture preferences of the plant to be potted,preferably 1-4 wick elements 12 are pressed into the upper member 24 ofthe wick element clamp 22 through the partial openings 26, whichpreferably pressure fit the wick elements 12 and hold them in verticalposition. The higher the vertical position the wick element 12 is held,the slower the moisture delivery through the wick element.

[0048] The wick elements 12 include wicking material 14, preferablyformed of rolled microfiber, preferably a non-woven, star structure typeas shown in FIG. 17. The microfiber preferably has wedge-shapedpolyester filaments 15 and a core 17 of nylon where the water-attractingpolymers are woven into masses of tiny hooks and loops. An example ofthis type of microfiber is currently sold for use as cleaning clothesand is available from Blom Enterprises, 8425 West 3^(rd) Street, Suite310, Los Angeles, Calif. 90048 (www.ecostarmicrofiber.com) or othersources.

[0049] A wick element 12 further includes a casing 20. The casing 20 ispreferably stainless or plastic tubing. The casing 20 forms a moistureimpervious barrier that restricts the release of the moisture travelingupward through the wick to the upper end of the casing 20 at the pointthe wicking material 14 is exposed in the upper soil generally above theplant roots 03. A knot 16 with a brightly colored bead 18 is preferablyadded at the upper end of the wicking material 14 at the top of eachwick element 12. These features allow the wick elements to be easilyfound in the upper soil for tactile monitoring and adjustment.

[0050] The wick elements 12 may be bent for more moisture introductiontoward the outside of the pots shown in FIG. 3 or the wick elements maybe straight as shown in FIG. 2. The straight wick elements with straightcasings are preferable for indoor/outdoor rotational use because themoisture delivery rate is more easily adjusted after potting the plant.For example, if it is desired to move a potted plant from indoors tooutdoors where sunlight, heat, and moisture evaporation are expected tobe higher, the interactive wicking will self adjust to some extent inresponse to the dryer conditions of the potted soil. The new conditionshowever may be such that the wicking capacity is at maximum and shouldbe increased. Simply sliding the smooth wick casing downward does this.With the straight wick casings, no new volume of soil is displacedmaking the adjustment operation easier. Adjustments of this kind may bemade in pots planted with seedlings. As the small plants grow requiringmore water, the wicks can be adjusted downward rather than repotting theplant from smaller to larger pots.

[0051] Drainage in container gardening of any kind is very important.The bottom holes of clay pots are regarded as minimal drainage in mostsituations. To use the regulating wick device the age old practices ofincreasing drainage by layering broken clay, followed by long-fibersphagnum moss, which acts as a soil filter, are encouraged. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the regulating wick is designedto not impede drainage. The upper member of the wick element clamp 24,which sits inside the clay pot, preferably features a perforated orporous upper surface 28 and a ridged undersurface 30 to affect aflow-through member.

[0052] The upper member of the wick element clamp 24 is preferablyconnected to the threaded neck 32, which is hollow on the inside andacts as a passage for the wick elements 12 through the bottom hole ofthe clay pot 06. The outside of the threaded neck 32 preferably containsscrew threads, which form the male member for the pot stand 34 with thefemale opening 38. The upper member of the wick element clamp 24 ispreferably screwed into the pot stand 34 on the threaded neck 32 of thewick element clamp incorporating the bottom of the clay pot 06. Othermeans of attachment will be readily apparent. The upper portion 36 ofthe pot stand 34 may be perforated for enhanced drainage. The clay pot06 with protruding wick elements 12 may now stand upright on ahorizontal surface sitting on the planar upper portion 36 of the potstand 34 with the wick elements held in place through the bottom of thepot. The legs 40 of the pot stand 34 preferably hold the pot up off thesurface. The upright pot may now be planted as usual with broken claypieces, sphagnum moss, soil 04, and plant 02, then watered to start thesystem. The upper ends of the wick elements 12 are preferably spreadevenly across the top of the soil, then pressed into the soil. Finally amulch layer of plastic, moss or both preferably covers the upper wickelements. The potted plant with wick elements is set into the waterstorage device 42 as shown in FIG. 3. Water is poured through the wateraddition orifice 48 to a level 08 viewed through the drainage portclosure/sighting port 56. Outside during periods of sufficient rainfall,closure 56 is preferably left off the drainage port 54 and water ispreferably added until it is observed flowing out of the drainage port54.

[0053] Preferably, embodiments of the water storage device 42 areaesthetically sized for modular window box arrangements furtherdiscussed below. The water storage capacity beneath a 21 cm (8 inch)clay pot is approximately 1.3 liters (1.4 quarts) per 2.5 cm (inch). Thelegs of the pot stand are preferably sized slightly higher. Preferably,the drainage troughs 60 and sloped bottom surface 61 direct the waterstored into the reservoir's bottom well 62, making all stored wateravailable for wicking. The vertical positioning of the wick elements 12would determine the flow rate capacity sufficient to sustain the plantas long as possible. Two to four weeks are commonly observed with indoorplants. The flow rate capacity of moisture delivery declines slowly asthe water level drops during the course of delivery and would increaseimmediately after filling, raising the water level. The actual rate offlow depends not only on flow capacity but also on the interactivewicking in the top of the soil. If environmental conditions or rate ofplant growth induced greater moisture demand, the relatively drier soil04 surrounding the exposed wicking fiber 14 would induce a faster rateof wicking up to the wicking capacity set by the wick element's verticalposition. Thus water usage may not be the same water fill to water fill,but the wicking delivery has been optimized by the plant itself. Itdoesn't matter if the wicking capacity ebbs and flows with the height ofthe water level as happens in nature for example with the water tablebetween rainfalls. The point is to provide adequate available moisturedelivery for a sufficiently long enough time, so that manual filling andadjustments are necessary only at infrequent periods. Adjustments aremade by observing the plant for evidence of stress and noting the amountof water required to bring the water level to the fill level. If eitherobservation indicates the moisture delivery rate capacity is notsufficient, lowering the position of the wick casing and adding extrawater to obtain the same adjustment period brings the plant back tooptimum maintenance. Observations indicating that the plant is gettingtoo much water include yellowing of leaves, wet soil 04, yet sufficientwater levels. Adjustment of the wicks upward decreases the moisture flowcapacity and slows the rate of moisture delivery. These are quick, easy,relatively infrequent adjustments producing long-lived healthy plants.

[0054] A preferred embodiment of the invention uses smooth sliding wickelements within a wick element clamp as the regulating wick device 10.Wicks positioned in water as they would be in a planting may takeapproximately 24 hours to fully hydrate. By lowering the wicks deeperinto the water, hydration can be achieved many times faster. Oncehydration is achieved, it can be maintained by returning the wick to itsoriginal position. In other words, there is not a difference in thehydration outcome based on the depth of the wick in water, only the rateat which it is achieved. There is also a dramatic difference in the rateof full hydration depending on whether the lower end of the wick casing20 is below the water level or above it. Hydration rate is dramaticallyfaster if the bottom of the wick casing 20 is below the water level 08.The idea of wicking rate capacity helps solve a problem of maintainingplants which like a relatively dry pot. “Planting high”, which meanspositioning the wick elements relatively high in the wick element clampwith the bottom of the wick casing 20 above the water level, produceseven but definitely drier moisture levels, preferred by these plants.Using the concept of wicking rate capacity as a regulating technique isone if the advantageous features of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 4 contains growing medium 4 which is relatively drier thanthat of FIG. 5, which contains growing medium 4 which is relativelywetter. Each pot could presumably contain plants preferring maintenanceof the conditions illustrated. Focusing on the wick casing bottom ofeach Figure for comparison, h is defined as the difference between theheight of the water level 08 and the height of the bottom of the wickcasing 20. In FIG. 4 as illustrated the wick casing 20 sits above thecurrent water level 08. The h in this case is negative by approximately,6 mm. In FIG. 5 as illustrated the bottom of the wick casing 20 isimmersed below the surface of the water 08. The h is positive byapproximately 6 mm. All other factors such as number of wicks, wickingfiber 14, surface area of exposed wick in the potting mix 04, length ofcasing 20, water level delta between low point and fill, are the same.There is a difference of about 12 mm in the height between the watersurface and the height of the top of the wick casing in FIG. 4 which isgreater than FIG. 5. This difference of 12 mm, however, does not accountfor the dramatic difference in the wicking rates of the two pots.

[0056] One may assume that in FIG. 5 there is a “straw effect” of anopen tube in water, a phenomenon commonly observed as children drinkingsodas, called capillarity by physicist. This is the rise of water in thetube due to the surface tension between the water and the tube itself.Moreover in a column packed with fiber, this effect will be morepronounced. One may also assume that wicking within the tube is muchmore efficient than wicking outside it. In FIG. 4 as moisture is drawnfrom the water surface it is free to evaporate or move upward along thecapillary fiber. Some moisture is lost before it reaches the mouth ofthe casing. Once inside the casing 20 moisture merely refluxes withinthe tube on or off the wicking fiber but capillary action continuallydriving the moisture upward. Thus the amount of moisture carried intothe bottom of the casing is integral to the capacity to move moistureupward. Both capillarity and wicking efficiency are connected to thevalue of h. As h increases both capillarity and efficiency increases;the wicking capacity dramatically increases.

[0057]FIG. 6 illustrates how the maintenance habits of individual plantcaregivers can be compensated by adjustment of the vertical position ofthe wick element. FIG. 6 shows the lower portions of two wick elements12 showing both casings 20 and wicking fiber 14. For purposes of thisdiscussion assume the two wick elements are protruding from the bottomof a potted plant into a water storage device with well 62. The waterfill level is the same for both storage devices. Further assume afastidious plant caregiver A who frequently checks the water levelinside the water storage device and refills the water at point h_(ra),refill level height for caregiver A. In this case, over the course ofthe fill/distribution cycle, the water level varies equally above andbelow the bottom of the wick casing, h_(cb), height of the wick casingbottom. We can define the important quantity H based on the averageheight of the water level over the fill/distribution cycle. H equals thedifference in the average height of the water level over the fill cycleminus the height of the bottom casing. H=h_(avg a)−h_(cb). The quantityH would be zero in the case of caregiver A. Assume a second caregiver Bwho we shall describe as less than fastidious in the maintenance of thesame plant, with the same reservoir and water fill level h_(f);h_(fa)=h_(fb). Caregiver B checks the water level much less frequentlyand refills the reservoir only when the water level reaches a much lowerlevel, h_(rb), refill level height for caregiver B. In this case thewater level varies unequally above and below the bottom of the wickcasing, h_(cb). The average water level over the fill/distribution cycleis below the bottom of the wick casing and the important quantity H isnegative by a height interval x. H=h_(avg b)−h_(cb)=−x.

[0058] Caregiver B could adjust the height of the bottom of the wickcasing by simply sliding the wick element downward by an interval x.After the adjustment the important quantity H would be zero forcaregiver B. H=h_(avg b)−h_(cb)=0. Thus after the adjustment the averagewicking capacity over the course of the fill/distribution cycle would bethe same for both caregivers A and B. It is true that in the case ofcaregiver B the amplitude of the wet cycle would be relatively wetterand the dry cycle relatively drier. However as previously mentioned,nature teaches the ultimate wet and dry cycles in the application ofmoisture to the roots of most of the world's plants.

[0059] Since the available water depths are the same in all waterstorage devices sized for a nominal standard, and fill frequencies areto be standardized for the caregiver's easy maintenance schedule,finding a good vertical position of the wicking elements 12 is all thatis necessary for optimal moisture application. There is an optimumvertical position suitable to the needs of the plant in its currentenvironment and growth stage. For most plants positioning the wickelements such that the casing is slightly below the water surface atfill level produces slowly developing moist and dry cycles betweenfillings as the water level drops and h decreases. These cycles are muchgentler and more regular than is usually possible in nature.

[0060]FIG. 8 shows a hanging mechanism for a potted plant in clay, withregulating wick device and water storage device. The hanging mechanism76 includes both an interior pot support 78 featured in FIG. 7 and theexternal hanger 88 illustrated in FIG. 9 with the pot and water storagedevice. The interior pot support 78 illustrated in FIG. 7 is preferablyconstructed of sturdy wire or twisted wire. The internal pot support 78contains a pot seat 80, square shaped in this case, and legs 82 attachedat each corner of the pot seat 80. The legs 82 are also feature legexpansions 84 (i.e. grommet stop pins or bent out portions of the legs82), and ultimately connect to hanging fixtures 86 (i.e. loopconnectors).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, when it is desired to hang thepot with wicks and water storage device, the potted plant withregulating wick device is removed from the water storage device 42 andset aside sitting on the wick element clamp's pot stand, 34. Theinterior pot support 78 is placed through the top opening of the waterstorage device 42. The legs 82 are turned upward toward the grommetopenings 70, best viewed in FIG. 9, and the loop connections 86 arepinched and threaded through the grommet connections 70 in thereservoir's corners as far as the leg expansions 84 will allow. Thegrommets 70 connect the gasket-retaining ring 66 to the top of the waterstorage device 42. The loop connections 86 are held in place through thegrommets by C-hooks 90 and retained on the C-hooks by loop retainingseats 92. At this point it may be convenient to replace the clay pot,plant, and regulating wick device back into the water storage device 42,carefully positioning the wick clamp pot stand 34, over the pot seat 80.The exterior wire hanging legs 94 are connected to the C-hooks 90. Thehanging legs 94 are also connected to the hanging hook 96. The hanginghook 96 may now hang the device with potted plant.

[0062] With the hanging assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 the planting pot6, moist soil 4, plant 2 which is not shown, and the regulating wickdevice 10 are supported by the wire hanging mechanism 76. The waterstorage device 42 with water level 08, not shown, hang on the legexpansions 84 beneath the gasket retaining ring outside thecircumference of the raised lip 46 of the reservoir.

[0063] Note that the interior pot support 78 may be triangular orpentagonal or other shape, depending on how many attachment points areneeded around the gasket retaining ring 66.

[0064] Note also the exterior hanger 88 is preferably of a rigid natureso that the hanging water storage device 42 may be handled from thebottom with a pole device and platform. Referring to FIG. 10 and furtherdiscussed below, the pole device preferably has a platform shaped like ashort version of the alignment plank 100, and a perpendicular weightretaining ridge.

[0065]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate alternate forms for preferred methodsof alignment. The alignment mechanisms include combining a plurality ofpotted plants in water storage devices for window box designs, patioborders and other alignment uses. Preferably, the water storage deviceexhibits a cubic nature and a smooth design, so that a plurality ofdevices aligned contiguously form the appearance of window boxes, patioborders, or decorative designs and borders. Use of different coloreddevices form decorative tile-like patterns. Referring to FIG. 10, thealignment is formed with the alignment mechanism 98. An alignment plank100 is easily constructed of treated wood, plastic, laminatedparticleboard or other material sufficiently strong to hold theplurality of devices. Strategically positioned in the alignment plank100 are holes 102 accommodating the reservoir well 62 of the cubicreservoir 44. Placing the reservoir 44 on the alignment plank 100,taking care to fit the reservoir well 62 into the holes 102, forms asmooth uninterrupted window box shape. In a like manner alignmentmechanisms may be used for other types of decorative borders.

[0066] In FIG. 11 the alignment mechanism is basically the same as FIG.10 with the exception of the reservoir well 62 which is threaded andheld in place through a larger hole 102 in the alignment plank 100 by afemale nut 104 beneath the plank. Other means of attachment will bereadily apparent. With this alternate form of the alignment mechanism 98the water storage device is secured below the plank. This feature may beuseful if there is any occasion to slant the plank, for example for usewith casement windows. The larger alignment holes 102 may also make iteasier to slide overflowing pots into alignment.

[0067]FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 summarize the expanded utility of the commoninexpensive clay pot. The pot can now be placed on fine furniture,illustrated in FIG. 12. It can be aligned as window boxes or otherdesigns as illustrated in FIG. 13. Finally the clay pot can be hung asillustrated in FIG. 14. Moreover the plantings can be rotated to newmodes of setting about the home without repotting the plant. Forexample, a window box planting may be brought indoors to use as a centerpiece in a table setting or vice versa. The porous clay pot has alsobeen transformed into a low maintenance planting container withavailable water storage for use with a wick device.

[0068]FIG. 15 illustrates the two step collection and release process ofcationic nutrients in physical terms. In both steps there is a plantingpot 06 containing soil or growing medium 04. Both steps illustrate thesame wick device which includes a moisture conducting wicking materialwhich has preferably been chemically treated as a cation exchanger 14.Filter companies like Whatman manufacture chromatography papers such ascellulose bonded with phosphate groups, Whatman P81 Cellulose PhosphateChromatography Paper, or cellulose loaded with silica gel which in turnare bonded with sulfonate groups. Alternately the wick could be a columnof silica or resins bonded with negatively charged groups. Sincemoisture wicking is the only flow mechanism available as mobile phase,the chemical bonding should be adapted for this purpose. Howevercollection, not separation, of cations is the only objective. Mostcurrent materials treated in this way are delicate. Therefore, the wickelement also includes a casing 20 of stainless tubing or appropriateplastic which encloses the wick throughout the lower soil. A mesh ormembrane 21 preferably surrounds the lower portion of the chemicallytreated wicking material which is immersed in the liquid nutrientreservoir. The mesh or membrane covering 21 excludes solids in thereservoir but allows the dissolved cations attracted to the wick'snegatively charged sites there through. Note that an alternate way ofkeeping the wicks from fouling with solids is to package the insolublerock powder in a mesh or membrane. This keeps the entire liquid in thereservoir free of small solids particles.

[0069] The potted plant with protruding special wick is positioned abovea reservoir 42, to which pure water at level 08, and to which therelatively insoluble nutrient solids 05 have been added. Thisconfiguration, called the collection step, is in place for a relativelylong period of time. These cationic nutrient conducting wicks can beused simultaneously with moisture conducting wicks, such as microfiberwicks, which provide pure moisture conductance. Moisture conductance hasbeen discussed previously.

[0070] After a period of adding moisture and collecting cations on thewick, the release phase is commenced. Physically this is achieved byplacing the bottom of the wick in a release solution 09 of relativelyhigh ionic strength. A suitable solution may be one of potassiumdihydrogen phosphate buffer at a suitable pH, perhaps between 6 and 7.This step is relatively short in duration and does not take a largevolume of solution. The numerous potassium and hydrogen cations in therelease solution quickly exchange the collected cations on the wick anddrive the nutrients up to the negatively charged soil 04. Gravity andthe cation exchange capacity of the soil distribute the accessiblenutrients to the plant roots.

[0071]FIG. 16 illustrates the method in chemical terms. As illustratedin FIG. 16, the wicks are in contact with the soil 04 and the liquidnutrient surface 08. For ease of illustration only the wick constructionand, nutrient conductance process is shown. During the collection phasethe insoluble solids slowly dissolve and are dissociated into ions,specifically cations shown by way of example Mg⁺², Ca⁺², Mo⁺². Thecations are attracted to the wick and adhere to its negatively chargedsites. The positively charged cations are exchanged up the negativelycharged wick as moisture is conducted upward. Removal of the cations outof solution decreases its ionic strength and encourages moredissociation according to Le Chatelier's Principle. Slowly the cationsmay move upward into the soil with the wicking action only, however arelease phase may be commenced.

[0072] During the release phase the potassium dihydrogen phosphatesolution has readily available numerous potassium and hydrogen cationswhich are also attracted to the negative sites in the wick. Immersion ofthe wick 14 in casing 20 deep into the solution increases the wickingcapacity and these cations quickly exchange the collected cations on thewick and drive them upward into the soil 04. Potassium and hydrogen arealso essential plant nutrients and not harmful as long as the proper pHis maintained in the soil. Buffer solutions by their very nature controlpH through the release process. Other releasing solutions can beformulated of citrate or sorbate which are organic and also can act asantimicrobials. Still others will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art.

[0073] The method of nutrient conductance described above is practicalif wicks and reservoirs are already being used to maintain the moistureof a containerized houseplant. The wick holder preferably positionsseveral “wicking elements” which conduct moisture. These elements areencased into the upper soil and are actually adjusted from the top ofthe soil. One can visualize a holder with three moisture conductingwicks and one nutrient conducting wick. The collection phase proceedssimultaneously with the addition of moisture to the plant. Between waterfills to the reservoir, or before cleaning the reservoir, a releasephase is begun by pulling the moisture wicks above the low liquidsurface and installing a cup of release solution in which only thenutrient wick, perhaps too delicate to move, is immersed high up ontoits casing for maximum flow upward. The cup of release solution isremoved after this phase and the reservoir filled as usual with water.

[0074] In this way the plant is regularly bathed in low levels ofnutrients which avoids the feast or famine addition procedures oftenused. The procedure is gentle enough not to burn the plant, yet morerapid than the decomposition of insoluble nutrients in the soil.

[0075] The regulating wick device presented has the advantage ofintroducing moisture in the top of the growing medium for distributionthroughout more available rooting layers of potted soil. The simplesliding action of the wick elements within its holding device sets themoisture delivery capacity to rates conducive for maintaining a specificplant within the maintenance schedule of a specific caregiver. Finally,the regulating wick device using the straight wick elements provide formodulation of moisture delivery rates after the plant has been pottedsubstantially without disturbing either potting soil or plant roots. Themodulating adjustments can be conveniently made in the accessible uppersoil by sliding the upper wick casing up or down to slow or increase themoisture delivery rate as desired.

[0076] Working together the regulating wick device and the water storagedevice offers modularity to plant a container and provide the soil andmoisture conditions optimum for the specific plant. Working togetherthey provide flexibility to use the planting in all the ways plantingscan be set around the home. Finally working together they provide selfcontainment with available water, and a slow delivery system designedfor easy maintenance. With modularity, flexibility, and self containmentthe art of houseplant maintenance is greatly advanced to the point offacilitating indoor/outdoor rotation of houseplants. For the first timeit may be practical to enjoy the occasional, proximate, indoor use ofblooming, fragrant, sun loving plants.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing interactive delivery ofliquid nutrients, selected from a group consisting of water, plantfertilizers, antimicrobial agents, plant hormones, and mixtures thereof,to the growing medium of a houseplant with the facility to set thecapacity of the liquid nutrient delivery rate, comprising the steps of:providing at least one wick element comprised of wicking material andcasing around a central portion which holds said wicking materialmovably in place wherein said casing is substantially impervious tomoisture, with said wicking material exposed at either end of saidcasing; providing a reservoir of liquid nutrients with said reservoirhaving both a liquid surface level and an average liquid surface levelover a fill and distribution cycle; providing a holder which securessaid wick elements in position with respect to said liquid surface levelwith members which hold said outer casing, and allows movement of saidwick elements to new secure positions with respect to the liquid surfacelevel; positioning said wick elements in said holder; placing the wickelements, within the holder, along with a plant in growing medium insidea planting container, such that a portion of the wick elements,including both said casing and said wicking material protrude from thebottom of said planting container; and positioning said plantingcontainer with said protruding casing and wicking material above saidreservoir of liquid nutrients such that the wick elements are immersedinto the liquid to a position such that the bottom of said wick elementcasing is either above or below said liquid surface level; whereby theaverage liquid nutrient delivery rate capacity is set by the position ofthe wick elements within the holder, with respect to a given reservoirand average liquid surface level over a fill and delivery cycle, to theoptimal range of liquid nutrient delivery rates for a specific plant, atits current growth stage, in its current environment, within themaintenance schedule of its current caregiver.
 2. The method of claim 1,further providing facility to adjust the capacity of liquid nutrientdelivery rate by additionally comprising the steps of: sliding said wickelements either up or down within said holder, to decrease or increase,respectively, the liquid nutrient delivery rate capacity; wherebyraising the position of the wick elements within the holder adjusts theliquid nutrient delivery rate capacity to a lower range of deliveryrates suitable to changing environmental conditions and plantdevelopment needs; and whereby lowering the position of wick elementswithin the holder adjusts the liquid nutrient delivery rate capacity toa higher range of delivery rates suitable to changing environmentalconditions and plant development needs.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the wick elements comprise a casing sufficiently long, rigid andstraight such that the sliding action can be practically made by manualadjustment of the upper wick casing in accessible upper growing mediumof a potted plant without substantially disturbing the growing medium orthe plant roots.
 4. A regulating wick device, usable with a liquidnutrient reservoir having a liquid surface level, said regulating wickdevice both for conducting nutrients, selected from a group consistingof water, plant fertilizers, antimicrobial agents, plant hormones, andmixtures thereof, and for setting and adjusting wicking rate to anelevated growing medium of a plant comprising: at least one wick elementhaving at least two ends and comprised of a length of wicking materialand a casing around a central portion thereof, said casing beingsubstantially impervious to moisture, wherein said wicking material isexposed at either end of said casing; and a holder capable ofpositioning securely at least one of said wick elements so that one endof said wick element is immersed within said reservoir and the other endextends upward into said elevated growing medium, thereby fixing theposition of said wick element with respect to said liquid surface levelwith members which both hold said casing and allow movement of said wickelement casing within said holder to new secure positions with respectto the liquid nutrient level.
 5. A regulating wick device according toclaim 4 which further provides a means for permitting variableadjustment of the wicking rate by manually urging an upper wick elementcasing positioned in an accessible upper growing medium withoutsubstantially disturbing a plant or said growing medium, in which saidwick element casing is sufficiently long, smooth, rigid, and straightand said holder members allow smooth continuous sliding of said wickelement casing within the holder to new secure positions with respect tothe liquid nutrient level.
 6. A regulating wick device according toclaim 4, wherein said holder is a wick element clamp with an uppermember positioned inside a planting container, said holder comprising ameans for moisture drainage from said planting container.
 7. Aregulating wick device according to claim 6, wherein said upper membercomprises a perforated or porous upper surface and an under surfacehaving ridges which elevate the upper member from said plantingcontainer to allow drainage.
 8. A regulating wick device according toclaim 4, wherein the holder is a wick element clamp which communicatesthrough the bottom hole of a planting container surrounding protrudingwick elements to a means of anchoring said wick clamp beneath saidplanting container.
 9. A regulating wick device according to claim 8,wherein the means of anchoring the clamp beneath the planting containeris also a means of setting the planting container with protrudingwicking elements securely on a horizontal surface in such a manner as toprevent damage to the wicking elements.
 10. A regulating wick deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the holder is a wick element clamp with aneck surrounding said wick elements, said neck being sufficiently narrowto fit through the hole of a planting container with said clamp neckconnecting an upper clamp member positioned inside said plantingcontainer to a pot stand beneath the planting container, said clamp neckhaving a means to fixably attach to a planar upper portion of said potstand, and said pot stand comprising holding legs of sufficient heightto allow the planting container with wick elements protruding from thebottom to set securely on a horizontal surface.
 11. A water storagedevice usable with a wick device inserted into and extending from thebottom surface of a planting pot with means for orderly contiguousalignment of a plurality of said water storage devices and a means forelevation to prevent moisture damage to a setting surface such as finefurniture comprising: a housing including an interior which forms areservoir in said housing for sealingly holding liquid nutrients; a topcomprising an opening therein which communicates said reservoir with theexterior of said housing; a compliant member positioned to support theplanting pot therein having an exterior shape similar to the saidhousing top opening; an interior shelf for supporting the bottom of saidcompliant member; an alignment mechanism on the bottom of said waterstorage device for aligning a plurality of said water storage devicescontiguously on a horizontal plane; a plurality of elevated supportmembers on the bottom of said device of substantially equal length tosupport the bottom of said water storage device to space apart themoisture containing base from the setting surface; a drainage portal inthe side of said housing positioned to maintain a predetermined waterlevel; and a liquid nutrient addition portal substantially above thepredetermined water level for permitting the addition of liquidnutrients directly into the reservoir.
 12. The water storage deviceaccording to claim 11, further comprising a closure for said drainageportal, which is substantially clear and functions as a fill level sightin the side of said base.
 13. The water storage device according toclaim 11, further comprising a means for hanging said water storagedevice.
 14. A water storage device according to claim 11, furthercomprising a raised lip around the top opening and said interior shelffor supporting said compliant member, wherein the interior shelf is aretaining ring of sufficient width to both provide bottom support forsaid compliant member and to connect to the interior surface of the topplane of said water storage device forming an upper support for aninterior hanging mechanism for the water storage device.
 15. A waterstorage device according to claim 14, wherein both the top plane of thereservoir and said retaining ring have aligned and connected openingsthrough which hanging fixtures may pass.
 16. A water storage deviceaccording to claim 15, further comprising an interior pot support forhanging the potted plant, having a pot seat, connecting legs with legexpansions positioned beneath said aligned and connected openings, andhanging fixtures which fit through the aligned and connected openings.17. A water storage device according to claim 11, wherein said compliantmember has an interior bevel with gradient sufficient to both fitexterior planting pot and to accommodate variances within nominalstandard pot sizes.
 18. A water storage device according to claim 11,wherein said compliant member contains a means for aeration around thecompliant member.
 19. A water storage device according to claim 18,wherein the means for aeration comprises a structure selected from thegroup consisting of scallops or air pockets.
 20. A water storage deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the alignment mechanism is a well in abottom plane of the reservoir which fits an opening in an alignmentplank.
 21. A water storage device according to claim 20, furthercomprising at least one drainage trough in the bottom plane of thereservoir which empties into said bottom well such that the liquidnutrient contained is efficiently used by a wick device.
 22. A waterstorage device according to claim 20, wherein said well in the bottomplane of the water reservoir further comprises an attachment means suchthat the water storage device can be secured beneath said alignmentplank.
 23. A method of conducting nutrient cations sourced in relativelyaqueous insoluble solids into the soil of a containerized houseplantcomprising the steps of: providing a wick element comprising wickingmaterial which both conducts moisture and is chemically bonded as acation exchanger, which provides negatively charged sites on saidwicking material, said wick element further comprising a casing whichsurrounds the wicking material and exposes the wicking material ateither end of said casing; placing the wick element in the soil alongwith a plant in a planting container such that both wicking material andcasing protrude from the bottom of said planting container; providing anaqueous reservoir to which the relatively water insoluble nutrients havebeen added and to which water has been added creating a liquid surfacelevel; and positioning said planting container with said protruding wickelements above said aqueous reservoir with said nutrients such that thewick elements are immersed below said liquid surface level in thereservoir; whereby dissociation of the nutrients in the reservoirproduce cations which are attracted to the negative sites on the exposedwicking material and the wicking action of the moisture driving up thewick exchanges the cations upward into the soil encouraging moredissociation of the nutrient solid.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a solution of available cations atsufficient concentration to provide said solution sufficient ionicstrength to displace retained cations on the negative sites of saidwicking material; and periodically immersing the bottom of said wickelement into said solution; whereby the cations retained on the negativesites of the wicking material are also driven upward into the soil fordistribution throughout the soil by the cation exchange capacity of thesoil to the plant roots.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein therelatively water insoluble nutrients added to the aqueous reservoir areenclosed in a mesh or a membrane which excludes solid particles fromentering the liquid in the reservoir but which allows dissolved cationsto be released into the aqueous phase of the reservoir from said mesh orsaid membrane.
 26. A wick element for conducting nutrient cations froman aqueous reservoir to an elevated growing medium of a containerizedhouseplant comprising wicking material which both conducts moisture andis chemically bonded as a cation exchanger, adding sites with a negativecharge in the wicking material, and a casing surrounding said wickingmaterial with said wicking material exposed on both ends of saidcasement.